How to Update Your Makeup Bag for 2025

Just like your wardrobe, your makeup bag needs an occasional refresh to keep up with the latest innovations, colors, and techniques. Makeup trends have evolved in ways that are perfect for midlife women — offering products that are smarter, more versatile, and more flattering than ever. Here’s your guide to updating your makeup bag so you can look fresh, modern, and confident in 2025.

1. Tubing Mascara Is a Must

If you haven’t switched to a tubing mascara yet, it’s time. Instead of coating lashes with traditional pigment that smudges and flakes, tubing formulas wrap each lash in a water-resistant polymer tube. They last all day, hold curl, and wash off with warm water — no tugging, no panda eyes. Perfect for everyday wear and especially for those who deal with smudging from eye creams or humidity.

2. Multi-Use Products Are the New Essentials

Makeup sticks and chunky crayons are the ultimate in efficiency. One stick can serve as blush, lip color, and even an eyeshadow base, making them perfect for travel or on-the-go touchups. Look for creamy, blendable formulas that melt into the skin and flatter your undertone — you’ll save time, space, and money.

💡 Bonus Tip: Liquid and Cream Products Aren’t Just for Cheeks Anymore

In 2025, cream and liquid formulas are everywhere — and for good reason. They offer a skin-like finish, blend beautifully, and work for eyes, lips, and face. Cream eyeshadows give a soft, youthful sheen; liquid highlighters mix seamlessly into foundation; and cream bronzers create a natural, sun-kissed look. These formulas are especially flattering for midlife skin because they move with you instead of settling into fine lines.

3. Build a ‘Wardrobe’ of Foundations

One foundation shade no longer fits all situations. Your skin tone can shift with sun exposure, self-tanner, or even seasonal lighting. Having a wardrobe of foundations — a lighter shade, a deeper shade, and one that matches you perfectly now — lets you customize for every occasion.

It’s also smart to include different formulas and coverage levels in your collection:

• Lightweight tinted moisturizer for casual days or when you want a sheer, skin-like finish.

• Medium-coverage foundation for a polished, everyday look.

• Full-coverage, long-wear formula for special occasions or events where you need staying power.

This variety ensures you’re ready for every season, setting, and skin day. 

4. Contour for Zoom and Video Calls

Cameras flatten your features, so adding a soft contour can bring dimension back to your face. Use a cool-toned contour stick or powder along the cheekbones, jawline, and temples for a subtle lift. Keep it natural — the goal is gentle definition, not harsh lines.

5. Highlighter Is for All Ages

Highlighter isn’t just for 20-somethings on Instagram. It’s all about finding the right texture and tone. Skip chunky glitter and go for a fine, luminous finish that melts into the skin. Choose champagne for warm undertones, icy pearl for cool, and rose-gold for neutral. Lightly tap it on the high points of your face for a healthy glow.

6. Less Powder, More Finishing Spray

Powder can settle into fine lines, so use it sparingly and only where needed (think T-zone). Instead, set your makeup with a finishing spray. Not only will it keep your makeup in place all day, but it will also give your skin a fresher, more natural look.

7. Lip Liner Has Evolved into Lip Contour

In 2025, lip liner isn’t about drawing a visible line — it’s about sculpting and shaping your lips. Use a shade close to your natural lip color to slightly enhance your shape, then blend inward before applying lipstick or gloss. This creates the illusion of fullness and definition without looking overdrawn.

💄 The Bottom Line: Updating your makeup bag isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about finding products and techniques that work with your features, your coloring, and your lifestyle. A few thoughtful swaps can make your daily routine faster, fresher, and more flattering.

Do you feel lost in choosing the right products? Then consider a MAKEUP ANALYSIS with our resident beauty sherpa and guru, Gail Scott. The analysis is a 10 page customized report with graphics, narrative, and product links all personalized for you.

Gail Scott

Gail Scott is Creative Director for Style and Beauty. She is a makeup expert and personal stylist. If you would like professional advice with Gail, please sign up for her exclusive 2-hour 1:1 session. Or schedule a 15 minute Style Chat with Gail to ask your questions.